Jennie K. Allen, Pioneer Occupational Therapist and Educator

The purpose of the paper is to describe the life and work of occupational therapist Jennie K. Allen, a pioneer practitioner and educator who developed one of the first occupational therapy education programs at the University of Iowa before accreditation standards were developed. To provide a frame of reference for her significance to the profession, a brief review of the history of occupational therapy education is provided. Allen’s contributions to the early education of practitioners and practice of occupational therapy, especially in pediatrics, is also discussed.